HC Deb 14 December 1938 vol 342 cc1969-70
5. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister how often the Vansittart Committee, to study the subject of British news service abroad, has met; what was the date of its appointment; when it last met; when it will next meet; and what is the result to date of its activities?

Mr. Butler

As the full statement desired is somewhat long, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Is it not the case that this committee is somewhat moribund; and, in view of the great importance of this subject, would not some further action be desirable?

Mr. Butler

I should describe this committee as being extremely lively. If the hon. and gallant Member will read the statement to be circulated, I think he will agree that the statement I have made is borne out by the facts.

Following is the statement:

The Vansittart Committee was set up in February this year to co-ordinate the work of certain organisations engaged on British publicity abroad. It has held three meetings of the full Committee, of which the first two were devoted to a survey of the field to be covered and the third to a general report making a series of recommendations to His Majesty's Government. In between the formal meetings of the Committee, there has been close consultation with the various bodies engaged on publicity abroad with a view to effective co-ordination, and, when necessary, special meetings have been called to consider particular aspects of the problem. The next meeting of the full Committee is to take place this week. The main task before the Committee during this period has been to plan the scope of publicity abroad by considering the extent to which the work was already covered by existing organisations such as the B.B.C., the British Council and the Travel Association, and how far certain gaps had to be filled. As a result of the recommenda- tions of the Committee, Parliament will be asked in the New Year to vote additional grants to the British Council and the Travel Association, and Press officers will be appointed at a number of His Majesty's Missions abroad. Other recommendations are under consideration.